Alicia Keys Shares New Song ‘Back to Life’

When Alicia Keys released her new single “In Common” in May, it seemed likely that fans would soon get wind of a new album from the artist. After all, it’s been four years since she released Girl on Fire. Well, today (September 2) marks another new song from Keys, but it’s not associated with any album she’s currently working on.

Keys shared “Back to Life,” the song she wrote and contributed to the upcoming film Queen of Katwe, which follows a Ugandan chess prodigy. It’s a curious song that spans genres across its nearly five minute length. “Back to Life” begins in a more acoustic fashion with piano and Keys’ stark voice reigning over the moving ballad before switching gears entirely.

Shortly after the two minute mark, “Back to Life” segues into an upbeat, EDM-driven song. “Back to life, back to life/ Nothing can break you/ I will survive/ Back to life,” Keys sings on the chorus, feeling closer to Cher than Adele.

Keys said about the film, “Queen of Katwe moved me in every way.” The film will hit theaters September 23. In the meantime, listen to Keys’ new song below.